"You know how you see a place and feel you can play a positive role there? Well, Albany is the right place for me and the right place for people to put me," said Joseph Fox of Forest Hills, whose only aspirations for public office have been for the State Assembly.

Fox, who's running as a Democrat in the 28th Assembly District, is no stranger to the law. He has been a private attorney for over 20 years, served as legislative attorney to the city's now-defunct Office of Economic Development, and even spent two years in Albany working for the State Assembly before attending law school.

“I understand how the law works,” he said. “Being familiar with writing laws and interpreting and applying them is a very useful tool.”

He pointed out that in conversations with many 28th A.D. constituents, incumbent Andrew Hevesi is described as being famously absent and ineffective.

Fox emphasized his willingness to listen to people, pointing to bankruptcy work with small businesses and individuals as one example of his real life experience.

“It's about understanding the impact laws have on people – blending together a base of knowledge with a sensitive approach,” he said. “We need that in Albany.”

What is also needed, noted Fox, is new jobs, and although he isn't in office yet, he already has ideas. If elected, he plans to bring the manufacturing and assembly of increasingly in-demand “green” equipment – solar panels, wind turbines, etc. – to the city through the use of tax incentives.

“It requires creativity, thought and hard work to make these things happen,” he said. “I absolutely believe I can do it.”

He may have an uphill battle ahead of him, but Fox is ready to jump the hurdles if voters select him as the person they believe is best suited for the job.

"I'm a hardworking guy who's very capable, diligent and understands what the Legislature is supposed to look like," said Fox. "I hope to have an opportunity to bring it back to that place."